Machine for deforming pipe for culverts



April 9, 1963 A. A. HONEYMAN 3,084,733

MACHINE FOR DEFORMING PIPE FOR CULVERTS Filed Sept. 16, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 v INVENTOR. A /an A .Honeymdn AHys.

April 9, 1963 A. A. HONEYMAN 3,084,733

MACHINE FOR DEFORMING PIPE FOR CULVERTS Filed Sept. 16, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENT OR. Alan Afloneyma y BY%% f%/az AHys.

April 9, 1963 A. A. HONEYMAN 3,084,733

MACHINE FOR DEFORMING PIPE FOR CULVERTS Fiied Sept. 16, 1960 s Sheets-Sheet s li w. 515. 4

INVENTOR. A Ian A. Honeyman Ah /s.

April 9, 1963 A. A. HONEYMAN MACHINE FOR DEFORMING PIPE FOR CULVERTS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 16, 1960 INVENTOR.

1 a? E4 4 5 44 4557 Z WM/ m y M; flf A 2 v United States Patent 3,084,733 MACHINE FOR DEFORMING PIPE FOR CULVERTS Alan A. Honeyman, Portland, Oreg., assignor to Spokane Culvert and Fabricating Company, Spokane, Wash, a

corporation of Washington Filed Sept. 16, 1960, Ser. No. 56,414 Claims. (Cl. 153-53) This invention relates to a novel machine for deforming pipe for culverts requiring an arched crosssection.

It is common practice in culvert construction to use pipe having a flat bottom and an integral arched top portion so as to take advantage of the load distributing capabilities of the arched design while conserving elevational space. Such culverts are also normally made from corrugated pipe for added strength while utilizing light weight sheet metal. In order to form the arched pipe it has been found necessary to either form it from distinct sections or deform cylindrical pipe by the use of large presses and dies.

It is an object of this invention to provide a machine for deforming cylindrical pipe to an arched design without using specialized dies or presses. The pipe is merely deformed mechanically by use of a flexible peripheral member.

It is another object of this invention to provide such a machine which may be operated by one man and which requires no trained skill for efficient operation. The machine requires no adjustments after being initially set for the diameter of pipe being processed. The degree of arching is automatically limited and can be readily ascertained by sight.

These and further objects will be evident from a study of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings which disclose one practical embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is exemplary of the many possibilities presented by the invention and is not intended to be a limiting factor in determining the scope of the invention which is aptly defined in the annexed claims.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of the machine with a portion of the machine to the left being broken away;

FIGURE 2 is an end view of the machine taken from the right hand end of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 44 in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 showing a deformed pipe, portions of the machine being broken away; and

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 77 in FIGURE 1.

The general outline of the machine i best perceived in FIGURES l and 2. The machine is symmetrical about its transverse center and may have any length desired, depending upon the length of pipe being deformed. Since the machine is merely a repetition of longitudinally spaced assemblies which may be of any number desired, several of the assemblies are shown in the drawings with the left hand end portion of the machine being broken away for convenience.

The machine rests on a frame comprising a rectangular base having longitudinal members 10 and a series of longitudinally-spaced transverse members 11 which are adapted to rest on the floor or foundation which provides footing for the machine. A series of vertical supports 12 extend upwardly from members 10 and are fixed to a pair of longitudinal supporting channels 13. Mounted laterally across the top flanges of channels 13 are a series of plates 14 which are parallel and have wide vertical surfaces. The channels 13 and plates 14 comprise a rigid framework on which the remainder of the machine is carried.

The jack structures are longitudinally spaced along a pair of supporting strips 15 which are fixed to the upper surfaces of plate 14. Since each structure is identical, only one will be described. It consists of four upright channels 16 which are fixed to the top surfaces of strips 15 to form a rectangular boxed structure. The top ends of channels 16 are welded to a wide channel platform 17 which extends along the machine and rigidly joins the series of jack structures. Supplemental bracing for channels 16 is provided by braces 18 connected angullarly between channels 16 and aligned plates 14.

Mounted on the upper surface of the channel platform 17, in the area bounded by channels 17, is a gear housing 20. Housing 20 has a horizontal opening which receive-s a power shaft 21 provided with couplings 22 between each jack unit. Mounted within the housing 20 (see FIGURES 3 and 4) is a worm 23 fixed to power shaft 21 and a worm gear 24 meshing with worm 23. Worm gear 24 rests against a thrust bearing 19 mounted between it and the top surface of channel platform 17. Gear 24 has a central axial aperture which is threaded so as to engage the long shaft 25 having top and bottom threaded areas 26 and 27 respectively.

The vertically movable structure is adapted to move with shaft 25. It consists of a l0ngi-tudinal I-beam 28 which extends along the machine length. I-beam 28 has a top flange which is apertured to receive shaft 25 and a web which is relieved directly below shaft 25. A reinforcing piece 30 is welded to the lower surface of the topflange within the relieved portion of the web. A nut 31 and washer 32 secure the threaded portion 27 of each shaft 25 to the I-beam 28. Adjacent each shaft 25 is a transverse bar 33 which extends along the length of plates 14 and which is braced by short arms 34 welded between the web of I-beam 28 and bar 33. Fixed to the lower surfaces of bars 33 are two longitudinal strips 39 which extend along the machine and ride along the inner surfaces of channels 16 so as to prevent bars 33 from turning.

Aligned ends of bars 33 are joined by means of two longitudinal channels 35 which add rigidity to the moving structure. Diagonal braces 36 join the outer ends of each bar 33 which are fixed to a pair of longitudinal straps 38 which in turn are locked to the upper end of shaft 25 by means of bolts 40. The top surfaces of cross-shafts 37 are rigidly joined by means of a Wide channel 41 extending over the length of the machine. It can thus be seen that movement of shaft 25 will result in vertical movement of bars 33 and the connected structure. The shaft 21'is driven by means of centrallylocated sprocket 42 fixed thereto and driven by a suitable motor 43.

Mounted below each plate 14 are two channels 44 spaced so as to engage the corrugations in the pipe to be deformed. Each channel 44 hangs from a pair of rigid legs '45, 46 and is positioned at an angle with respect to the horizontal so as to produce the bottom contour of the pipe which is desired. Mounted between each pair of channels 44 and fixed to the lower surfaces of plates 14 are two angle irons 47 which extend along the length of the machine and which face one another so as to form spaced tracks. A horizontal hook 48 having wheels 50 rotatably carried by it, is adapted to move along the angle irons 47 due to engagement of this track by the wheels 50. Hook 48 has a protruding portion shaped so as to grip the end corrugation of the pipe being deformed.

In order to provide tranverse adjustment of the machine so as to accommodate various diameters of pipe, an adjustable side apparatus is provided at each side of the machine, each apparatus being the mirror image of the other. The side apparatus control is provided by a centrally located transverse shaft 51 having opposite threads at each end thereof. The outer ends of shaft 51 are supported by bearings 52 fixed to table extensions 53 supported from channels 13 by means of an X-frame structure 54. One table extension 53 also supports a motor 55 which is drivingly connected to a sprocket 56 mounted on shaft 51.

The movable apparatus consists of a longitudinal channel 57 formed with an aperture adapted to freely receive the shaft 51. Surrounding this aperture and fixed to channel 57 is a nut 58 which threadably engages the shaft 51 to as to laterally move channel 57 when shaft 51 is rotated. Welded to the channels 57 and directed inwardly are a plurality of sliding bars 60 which slide adjacent to alternate plates 14. The bars 60 extend beyond the center of the machine when fully separated and utilize the supporting strips 15 and angle irons 47 as vertical guides in addition to the support afiorded by channels 13. The bars 60 slide along opposite surfaces of plates 14 so as to eliminate interference between the sliding bars 60.

Each bar 60 has a depending triangular web 61 fixed to it at a position so as to be adjacent a channel 13 when fully extended. Webs 61 extend downward and support a longitudinal chock 62 that terminates in an upturned lip and which also extends along the full length of the machine. Spacers 63 between adjacent webs 61 lend rigidity to this structure. It is to be noted that the upper ends of chocks 62 is lower in elevation than the lower ends of the channels 44. This allows the webs 61 to be moved between the channels 44 due to their offset positions so as to provide an intermeshing arrangement for free travel.

An elevated structure is provided near each end of the machine to guide the chain supports during elevation movement. This consists of two vertical straps 64 secured to the bars 60 and connected at their topends by a longitudinal cap 65. Angular braces 66 secured between the top of straps 64 and channel 57 serve to fix the position of this structure.

The chains 67 which are adapted to encircle the pipe to be deformed are secured at each end to a longitudinal channel 68 which rests on the top surfaces of bars 33. Each channel 68 is positioned adjacent a vertical strap 64. Located adjacent the opposite side of strap 64 is a similar longitudinal channel 70. Connecting the longitudinal channels 68 and 70 are bolts 71 on which are mounted rollers 72 which abut the remaining wide surfaces of vertical straps 64'.

Thus it can be seen that means are provided for transverse adjustment of the machine. The chocks 62 serve to limit outward movement of the deformed pipe and counteract its tendency to sharply kink at the bend between its fiat and arched areas. Therefore in the operation of the machine, it is first adjusted to the position illustrated in FIGURE 6 by using motor 55 to turn shaft 51. This results in simultaneously moving the sliding bars 60 to widen or lessen the distance between chocks 62. In addition, the bars 60 move the vertical straps 64 in a transverse direction so as to position channels 68 and therefore chains 67. Thus the chocks 62 and chain 67 are always aligned for the width of deformed pipe desired.

The initial cylindrical corrugated pipe is designated as 73. One end of the pipe is slipped over book 48 which holds that end of the pipe 73 in an elevated position so that one man can push it through the machine 4 as hook 48 rolls along angle irons 47. FIGURE 2 shows a pipe '73 in position after loading.

When the pipe 73 is in place, motor 43 is actuated to turn shafts 21 and thereby lift the bars 33. Bars 33 in turn will lift channels 68 and therefore chains 67. This will exert pressure against the bottom of pipe 73 and will flatten its top area against channels 44 which fit the pipe corrugations. FIGURE 6 shows the pipe 73 fully deformed. When the sides of the pipe reach chocks 62, motor 43 is reversed in order to release chains 67. Pipe 73 can then be pulled out of the machine on hook '48.

The machine can be made of any length desired merely by increasing the number of jack structures and associated assemblies. It is relatively simple, yet it provides a rigid framework and moving apparatus capable of exerting substantial pressure on the pipe 73. It is far less costly to manufacture and maintain than contemporary presses and dies now used to accomplish the deforming of pipe. Use of a flexible chain has the support for the arch and fixed top elements allows the machine to be readily adjusted for use over a wide range of pipe diameters.

It is obvious that minor modifications of this structure may be accomplished without leaving the bounds of this invention. Therefore only the following claims are intended as limiting definitions in determining the inventive concepts contained in the preceding discussion.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A machine for deforming pipe for culverts comprising:

a rigid rectangular frame having oppositely directed planar external surfaces;

jack means mounted on said frame extending perpendicularly outward from one of said surfaces, said jack means including a stationary structure fixed to said frame, a movable structure mounted on said stationary structure for motion relative thereto in a direction perpendicular to said surfaces, and power transmitting means operatively connected between said stationary structure and said movable structure adapted to selectively position said movable structure relative to said stationary structure;

external form means fixed to the second on said sur faces adjacent said jack means;

a flexible member having its ends fixed to said movable structure and extending outwardly beyond the second of said surfaces;

side chock means movably mounted on said frame for motion transverse thereto, said side chock means being extended outwardly from the second of said surfaces;

control means mounted on said frame operatively connected to said side chock means adapted to transversely position said side chock means relative to the frame;

and means mounted on said frame operatively con nected to said power transmitting means adapted to selectively cause said movabie structure to move outwardly away from said surfaces to thereby comress a pipe encircled by said flexible members and abutting said form means.

2. A machine for deforming pipe for culverts comprising:

a rigid rectangular frame having oppositely directed planar external surfaces;

a plurality of longitudinally spaced jack assemblies mounted on said frame, each jack assembly including a stationary structure fixed to the frame, a movable structure mounted on said stationary structure for motion relative thereto in a direction perpendicular to said surfaces, and power transmitting means operatively connected between said stationary structure and said movable structure adapted to selectively position said movable structure relative to said stationary structure;

external for-m means fixed to the frame adjacent said jack assemblies;

individual flexible means fixed at its ends to each jack assembly respectively, said flexible means extending outwardly beyond said form means;

a pair of side chock means movably mounted on said frame at the transverse sides of said form means and extending longitudinally along said frame, said chock eans including opposed surfaces projected outwardly from said frame;

control means mounted on said frame operatively con nected to said chock means adapted to transversely locate said chock means relative to said frame;

and means mounted on said frame operatively connected to said power transmitting means adapted to selectively cause said movable structures to move outwardly away from the frame to thereby compress a pipe encircled by said flexible means and abutting said form means.

3. A machine for deforming tubular structures made of sheet materials, comprising:

a stationary frame including a rectangular section of parallel rigid elements having oppositely directed planar external surfaces;

a plurality of identical jack assemblies mounted on said frame in longitudinally spaced positions, each of said jack assemblies including a stationary guide structure fixed to a first of said planar external surfaces, a rigid movable structure supported on said stationary guide structure for motion relative thereto in a direction perpendicular to said first planar external surface, and means operatively connected to said stationary guide structure and to said rigid movable structure adapted to effect movement of said rigid movable structure relative to said stationary guide structure;

form means located longitudinally along the opposite planar external surface of said frame elements;

longitudinal chock means mounted on said frame having opposed surfaces facing one another along the transverse sides of said form means;

a plurality of enclosed flexible members individually carried by said rigid movable assemblies and extending between said rigid elements beyond said opposite planar external surface thereof between said longitudinal chock means;

and a common jack control operatively connected to each of said means operatively connecting said stationary guide structures and said rigid movable structures adapted to cause said jack assemblies to be activated simultaneously to thereby effect movement of said flexible members so as to engage and compress a tubular structure located within the area bounded by said form means and said flexible members.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 'wherein said chock means are movably moimted on said frame for motion transverse to the frame toward or away from each other, and further comprising:

positioning means on said frame operatively connected to said chock means adapted to transversely position said chock means relative to the frame.

5. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said chock means are movably mounted on said frame for motion transverse to the frame toward or away from each other, and further comprising:

a guide apparatus fixed to said individual chock means and extending perpendicularly beyond the first of said planar surfaces;

a pair of longitudinal bars fixed to said rigid movable structure of said jack assemblies, said flexible members being anchored at each end to said bars respectively;

and means operatively connected to said bars and said guide apparatus adapted to transversely position said bars relative to said frame.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,260,624 [Bardeen Mar. 26, 1918 

1. A MACHINE FOR DEFORMING PIPE FOR CULVERTS COMPRISING: A RIGID RECTANGULAR FRAME HAVING OPPOSITELY DIRECTED PLANAR EXTERNAL SURFACES; JACK MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME EXTENDING PERPENDICULARLY OUTWARD FROM ONE OF SAID SURFACES, SAID JACK MEANS INCLUDING A STATIONARY STRUCTURE FIXED TO SAID FRAME, A MOVABLE STRUCTURE MOUNTED ON SAID STATIONARY STRUCTURE FOR MOTION RELATIVE THERETO IN A DIRECTION PERPENDICULAR TO SAID SURFACES, AND POWER TRANSMITTING MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID STATIONARY STRUCTURE AND SAID MOVABLE STRUCTURE ADAPTED TO SELECTIVELY POSITION SAID MOVABLE STRUCTURE RELATIVE TO SAID STATIONARY STRUCTURE; EXTERNAL FORM MEANS FIXED TO THE SECOND ON SAID SURFACES ADJACENT SAID JACK MEANS; A FLEXIBLE MEMBER HAVING ITS ENDS FIXED TO SAID MOVABLE STRUCTURE AND EXTENDING OUTWARDLY BEYOND THE SECOND OF SAID SURFACES; 